Friday 16 August 2019

What they don't tell you about summer in Scotland....



On Wednesday morning, normally an office day for Gail, I was surprised to see her loading up her backpack with a picnic lunch, flask of coffee, waterproof clothes, insect repellent etc. and surmised that she had the day off and was going to take me for a nice walk.

So initially I was disappointed to learn she was meeting some other volunteers in Glen Tanar, and together they would be conducting something called a 'habitat survey' as part of a wildflower conservation project for Plantlife Scotland, and that "dogs are not invited".

Disappointment turned to relief when she later showed me the photos of the volunteers er, 'enjoying' their lunch break in the company of a few million members of Scotland's most prolific and notorious form of wildlife, Culicoides impunctatus, aka the Highland midge.

Apparently if you walk at more than 4 mph the Highland Midge cannot keep pace.

But for once, I was not unhappy to have been left at home.

Happy Nature Friday friends!


13 comments:

  1. oh this evil no-see-um are absolutely made in hell.... we fortunately had our granny here and she is a biting magnet for that creatures, so the furmily was safe LOL

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  2. Hmm, I think I'll pass on those.

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  3. Mom and I need one of those veiled hats when we walk on warm muggy buggy mornings. Gail and her friends look like they're having a beautiful nature walk!

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  4. Hari Om
    OMD Bertie lad, you got a let-off there!!! Yes nature is an absolute wonder - but she can be a cruel mistress too &*> Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  5. Highland Midge NO THANK YOU. Buzzing Bugs would drive me nuts. That head net is amazing and I love their fashionable wet suits. Especially the color.
    How did the habitat survey go?
    Yep I'd be sitting with you snoozing
    Hugs Cecilia

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  6. We would still be bummed we did not get to go along, but hopefully you got in some good napping.

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  7. Oh m7, those midge's may have some purpose in nature but we're with you Bertie and would opt to skip this walk!
    xoxo,
    Rosy, Jakey & Arty

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  8. You had a good escape there Bertie. But even so, I'm sure you could have added some useful insights to help the survey along.

    Love,
    Inca xx

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  9. We are no fans of pesty insects. You were lucky to be left at home for this walk Bertie.

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  10. There are times when being left at home is a blessing!

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  11. The Highland midge sounds like our gnats, and yes we prefer HOME to dealing with the gnats.

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  12. Lady wonders if those are similar to the ones she dealt with when she was in Iceland. It does not look pleasant.

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  13. Wow, just thinking about those bugs gave my mom the hebbigebbies! Glad you escaped going on that walk!

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